Right-hander Zack Wheeler has been among the best starting pitchers in MLB since he joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020. Now, the veteran finds himself in his mid-30s, mulling retirement but leaving a lasting legacy in Philadelphia regardless of when he walks away from the game. Wheeler was on the record that he was considering calling it a career after his current contract expires after 2027, but an MLB insider now says that the door isn't closed on another return.
Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY reported this week that Wheeler may not be calling it a career just yet with one year left on his contract after this year. He's looked sharp returning from injury and isn't keeping a return out of the question.
“We’ll see,” Wheeler said, per Nightengale. “It’ll probably depend on what happens next year. It’s something to think about for sure.”
Phillies' Zack Wheeler has chance to continue Hall of Fame case if he continues career
Phillies fans were faced with the stark reality that they may never see greatness out of Wheeler again after his diagnosis midway through 2025. Thoracic outlet syndrome forced Wheeler out the last two months of the 2025 season, including the postseason. The injury was serious, not only for an athlete, but also for his overall health. Such a diagnosis is often a career-ender. Now less than a year removed from his health scare, he's better than ever, embracing the idea of staying just a while longer to lead the Phillies starting rotation.
Wheeler just turned 36 in May, but has remained the workhorse of the franchise alongside rising star Cristopher Sánchez. He's pitched as well as anyone could have hoped with a 2.16 ERA and 117 strikeouts in 100 innings pitched. He's just under the qualifier for starters, but as of now, his ERA would rank third-best in MLB.
Wheeler leads all pitchers with 31.7 fWAR since his Phillies debut in 2020. He also has a 2.84 ERA in 173 starts since then. His 79 wins also lead the way. He's continued to build himself a Hall of Fame-worthy resume while solidifying himself as a pillar among other Phillies greats. Something that also stands out in Wheeler's mind is a pursuit of a potential Hall of Fame induction.
“The Hall of Fame would be life-changing,” Wheeler stated, per Nightengale. “You know, something I don’t take lightly. It’s definitely something that everybody shoots for coming into pro baseball, even as a kid. You want your face and name on that plaque. It’s there forever.”
The Phillies also have Sánchez, Jesús Luzardo, and Aaron Nola under contract for the foreseeable future. If Wheeler can pitch this well right now, his career's ceiling can only go higher as he builds both an individual and team resumé. Wheeler has 123 career wins to his name, which would also be the lowest mark of any pitcher to be inducted. The lowest win total as of now is 145 by William "Candy" Cummings, who was elected to the Hall in 1939. The odds are stacked against him, but a delayed retirement changes things drastically.
There are other hurdles that Wheeler has had to overcome, like missed All-Star votes, Cy Young snubs, and the constant undervaluing of one of the decade's best postseason performers. Wheeler may not have the biggest trophy case, but it may not matter if he's willing and able to pitch late into his 30s while still dominating the league.
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